ISLAMABAD – Pakistan side would be the first ever Asian Team in the historyto win two consecutive series in South Africa if they win the fifth andlast ODI match against South Africa.
With the series level at 2-2, the decider in Cape Town on Wednesday,January 29, gives Pakistan and South Africa the opportunity to close outthe series and build confidence ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019,reported *ICC link*.
Both teams have their issues to iron out, chiefly with the batting. They’vebeen good in patches, but consistency has eluded them. In the last gameSouth Africa were bowled out for a paltry 164.
With the series against on the line, South Africa have added 20-year-oldall-rounder Wiaan Mulder to their squad for the final match in Cape Town.
Mulder has played seven ODIs to date, but hasn’t really sparkled yet. Inseven matches, he has scored just 57 runs at an average of 14.25 and pickedup seven wickets at 36.42. He prominently featured in the ODI series in SriLanka, but was unable to have much of an impact, particularly with the bat.He will look to grab this opportunity.
But he has been in good form in domestic cricket, most recently scoring afine 146 in a first-class game for Highveld Lions against the Knights. Hisinclusion might help add depth to the batting line-up while also doublingup as a reliable bowling option. But more of the batsmen need to stand upand contribute.
Fortunately for South Africa, the two seniors in Hashim Amla and Faf duPlessis showed some form in the previous game making fifties. They willwant to inspire the others to follow in their footsteps. Other establishedplayers like Quinton de Kock, who was out for a duck in the fourth game,will want to step up in the deciding match too.
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Pakistan were good with the bat in the last game, but there remains roomfor improvement in overall consistency. Their batsmen have looked moresolid on the whole. Imam-ul-Haq, in particular, has scored a lot of runsand led his side’s chase in the previous game with a solid 71. In all, hehas scored 263 runs for the series at 65.75.
The bowlers on both sides have been excellent. Pakistan’s Usman Shinwariclaimed 4/35 in the previous game, while Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khanclaimed two apiece. South Africa’s quicks too bowled well, but simplydidn’t have a score to play with.
Du Plessis scored a gritty 57 in the last game and the captain needs tocontinue leading from the front. South Africa’s middle order has been frailin the series and batting at No.4, du Plessis needs to hold things togetherand set an example to the more inexperienced players.
Shaheen Afridi, the young paceman, has been Pakistan’s most impressivequick in the series and has troubled South Africa with pace and bounce.Pakistan will want to ensure that the hosts’ batsmen are kept in check andAfridi will play a vital role towards that end.
